MVP TO ‘MOST VULNERABLE’

Former baseball star Ken Caminiti died last month of a drug overdose, the New York City medical examiner’s office ruled Monday.

Caminiti, 41, the 1996 National League most valuable player, had acknowledged substance-abuse problems -- involving alcohol, cocaine and painkillers -- stretching back more than a decade. He had also said in a 2002 Sports Illustrated article that he had used steroids during his MVP season.

Caminiti died Oct. 10, only five days after admitting in a Houston courtroom that he had tested positive for cocaine in September.

Tissue and toxicology tests on his body revealed “acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and opiates,” a spokeswoman for the medical examiner said. Coronary artery disease and an enlarged heart were said to be “contributing factors.” The death was ruled accidental. Caminiti, a three-time All-Star, played 15 big league seasons before retiring in 2001.

-- Steve Springer